April 30, 2005

Nearly 400 people gathered to honor and remember loved ones who gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. Organ Donor Center of Hawaii ’s annual event opened with a quilt pinning ceremony. Several families brought handmade quilt squares to add to the Hawaii Donor Quilt. Family members described the squares or shared a memory of their loved one. They pinned the squares with assistance from donor mom’s from the Hawaii Donor Family Council. These dedicated ladies work through out the year sewing and maintaining this memorial quilt.

One of the highlights of the morning was the releasing of more than 100 monarch butterflies symbolizing a releasing of the spirit and the transforming power of organ and tissue donation. Each family present released a single butterfly. There was laughter and tears as the butterflies flew around the courtyard. Many lingered, landing on leis and flowering plumeria trees. Other quickly flew away, reminding of us how fleeting life is, how precious each moment is, each breath of life is. Families gathered for lunch and an opportunity to make new friendships and renew old ones. Many families meet transplant recipients for the first time. And though it is not usually the recipient of their loved ones gift, the bond is made, knowing their gift has made a difference. Hugs are generously given. This year we had a special guest appearance by musical artist and Kumu hula Keali’i Reichel. One of his dancers shared a beautiful hula tribute. Keali’i shared his personal experience with donation and transplantation. Keali’i’s message was one of deep and enduring gratitude, “You never know who you will touch.” All were honored by his presence and awed by his message of gratitude, hope and love.

Student volunteers from Hawaii Baptist Academy, together with ODCH staff made photo buttons for the families and creating a lovely photo memory board.

Fil-Com Center hosted us in elegant style

Monarch butterflies released to symbolize the releasing of the spirit and the transforming gift of organ and tissue donation

Families brought handmade quilt squares to add to the Hawaii Donor Quilt and piiined the squares with assistance from donor mom’s from the Hawaii Donor Family Council. These dedicated ladies work through out the year sewing and maintaining this memorial quilt

Transplant recipients and their families traveled from near and far to bring greetings and gratitude to the donor families

A beautiful hula tribute and a surprise performance by Keali'i Reichel warms the hearts of everyone present. Keali’i shared his personal experience with donation and transplantation. His message, “…You never know who you will touch.” Thank you for giving his family the gift of life!

Talking story with a tissue transplant recipient. The gift of tissue restored his healthy lifestyle… back to work, fishing, coaching soccer and enjoying life!